The Shocking Dog Attack in Devon: An 11-year-old girl and a woman were savagely attacked by a pack of dogs in two separate incidents at Coombeland Farm near Tiverton, Devon. The terrifying attacks left both victims with severe injuries, psychological trauma, and lasting scars. The dogs, eight red Labradors, belonged to 75-year-old businessman John Hardy, who admitted to owning dangerously out-of-control dogs.
Despite the seriousness of the attacks, Hardy was spared jail and instead received a 15-month suspended sentence, 150 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation to each victim.
First Attack: Woman Mauled While Delivering Hay
The first attack occurred on January 3, 2023, when a woman arrived at the farm to deliver hay. While she was undoing the straps on her trailer, Hardy’s pack of dogs charged at her and began biting her legs, bottom, and arms.
Witness Accounts and Injuries
- The woman’s partner managed to drag her to safety.
- Hardy tried to intervene, while a farmhand took her to a barn for protection.
- She recalled seeing blood everywhere and her trousers shredded down to her ankles.
- Hardy offered her £80 to replace her trousers, later calling to offer compensation, which she declined.
She suffered 11 wounds, spent five days in the hospital, and needed two rounds of surgery. She was left with permanent scars and numbness in her leg and now suffers from severe anxiety and PTSD.
Second Attack: 11-Year-Old Girl Pinned Down and Mauled
Just over a month later, a woman and her two daughters visited the farm to view a horse Hardy was selling. While they were speaking in the yard, the dogs ran through an archway and charged at the girl like a pack of wild animals.
Horrific Details of the Attack – The Shocking Dog Attack in Devon
- The dogs knocked the child to the ground, pinned her down, and repeatedly bit her.
- Her mother, sister, and a farmhand managed to pull her away.
- As the girl was being attacked, she desperately asked her mother, “Mummy, am I going to die?”.
- She suffered 36 wounds, severe bruising, and a tetanus shot was required.
- Seven scars will remain for life, and she has since been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Her mother described the devastating impact on her daughter, who was once a happy, smiling girl but is now terrified of all dogs.
Legal Consequences for John Hardy
Hardy was described in court as a successful businessman of considerable reputation, but his lack of action after the first attack was heavily criticized.
Sentencing at Exeter Crown Court
- 15-month suspended sentence (meaning he won’t serve time unless he reoffends).
- 150 hours of unpaid work.
- £5,000 compensation to each victim.
- Strict control orders placed on the remaining dogs.
- Three dogs (Percy, Billy, and Oscar) were euthanized, while five others were returned to Hardy under conditions.
Judge David Evans called the first attack “prolonged and savage” and criticized Hardy for being “peculiarly unperturbed” after the brutal mauling of the young girl.
Hardy has since begun selling his equine business and large estate. He expressed shock and regret over the incidents, saying he was deeply sorry for what happened.
This tragic case highlights the dangers of poorly controlled dogs and the life-changing consequences of dog attacks. The victims will live with both physical and psychological scars, while Hardy avoids prison despite his negligence in preventing the second attack.
With strict control orders on his remaining dogs, Hardy faces the possibility of further legal action if he fails to ensure public safety. The case serves as a stark warning about the responsibilities of dog owners in preventing dangerous incidents.
FAQ
What happened in the Devon dog attack?
An 11-year-old girl and a woman were attacked by a pack of dogs at Coombeland Farm in Tiverton, Devon. The girl suffered 36 wounds, while the woman sustained 11 injuries and required surgery. The dogs belonged to businessman John Hardy.
Who owned the dogs involved in the attack?
The eight red Labradors involved in the attacks were owned by 75-year-old businessman John Hardy. He admitted to owning dangerously out-of-control dogs that caused serious injuries to the victims.
What injuries did the victims suffer?
The woman suffered 11 wounds, required two surgeries, and has permanent scars. The 11-year-old girl suffered 36 wounds, needed a tetanus shot, and has seven permanent scars. She has also been diagnosed with PTSD.
What was John Hardy’s punishment?
John Hardy received a 15-month suspended sentence, 150 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation to each victim. He was also issued strict control orders for his remaining dogs.
Were any of the dogs put down?
Yes, three of the dogs, named Percy, Billy, and Oscar, were euthanized following the attacks. The remaining five dogs were returned to Hardy under strict control conditions.
Why did the court criticize John Hardy?
Judge David Evans criticized Hardy for failing to take action after the first attack, calling the second attack on the young girl ‘avoidable.’ The judge also noted Hardy appeared ‘peculiarly unperturbed’ by the severity of the incidents.
What impact did the attack have on the victims?
The woman suffers from permanent scars, nerve damage, and PTSD. The 11-year-old girl has lasting physical scars and is now terrified of all dogs, significantly affecting her daily life and mental well-being.
Will John Hardy’s remaining dogs be monitored?
Yes, the court placed strict control orders on Hardy’s remaining five dogs. If he fails to keep them under control, a contingent destruction order will be enforced.
